[vein] n [ME veine, fr. OF, fr. L vena] (14c) 1 a: a narrow water channel in rock or earth or in ice b (1): lode 2, 3 (2): a bed of useful mineral matter
2: blood vessel; esp: any of the tubular branching vessels that carry blood from the capillaries toward the heart 3 a: any of the vascular bundles forming the framework of a leaf b: any of the thickened cuticular ribs that serve to stiffen the wings of an insect
4: something suggesting veins (as in reticulation); specif: a wavy variegation (as in marble)
5. a: a distinctive mode of expression: style b: a pervasive element or quality: strain c: a line of thought or action
6. a: a special aptitude: talent b: a usu. transitory and casually attained mood c: top form: fettle -- vein.al adj
[2]vein vt (1502): to pattern with or as if with veins